Makati finalist in World Smart Cities Awards

Makati is the Philippines’ lone finalist in this year’s World Smart Cities Awards to be held in Barcelo, Spain next month.

The city was selected by the awarding body among the finalists for the Innovative Idea category, Mayor Abby Binay announced yesterday.

Makati’s project entry is titled “Use of technology to improve city disaster preparedness and communication to and from city citizens.”

Binay said she would present the project during the awarding ceremony at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via on Nov. 20.

“We look forward to having a meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences with fellow advocates of sustainability and inclusivity from other parts of the globe,” she said.

“We also want to explore avenues for international collaboration, particularly with cities, academic institutions and corporate leaders that share the vision of thriving, future-proof cities worldwide,” Binay added.

She said Makati is proud to have the opportunity to represent the country at a global event that features the best practices of smart cities around the world.

Last month, the mayor presented the city’s disaster management plans and strategies at the International

Urban Resilience Forum held in Seoul.

It focused on reducing disaster-related deaths and injuries, as well as minimizing the number of affected people, disaster economic loss and damage to infrastructure and disruption of basic services.

During her presentation, Binay said the city is the third in the world and first in the country to formulate a predisaster recovery plan.